Eli Labou, manager of the Plattsburgh store, noted the location's continued participation in the event.

"They've been doing it ever since the store's been open," he said.

Along with its sponsors and affiliates, PetSmart aligns itself with a goal of avoiding euthanasia.

"PetSmart Charities is all about ending euthanasia," Labou said, referring to the business' philanthropical arm.

"We work with humane societies and rescue groups that follow that same philosophy," emphasized Labou, who added he is pleased to be a participant in the event. "It's nice because customers can come in and meet the group, learn what they're all about, and learn about what the PetSmart Charities mission is and what they're all about."

Victoria St. John, director of the St. John Feral Cat Fund in Plattsburgh - one of the event's participants - echoed Labou's sentiment.

"One of the major reasons we attend is to educate the public," said St. John, adding increasing adoptions is also a goal of the event. "The more adoptions, the less animals on the street."

Inger Joy, president of the board of directors for Elmore SPCA, an animal shelter based in Peru, agreed.

"The public really enjoys interacting with [the animals] and frequently our adoptable pets will find their forever human companion as a result of these weekend events," said Joy. "These adoption weekends provide an opportunity to tell people who we are and what we do as a no-kill shelter."

Those who adopt will also be recipients of a coupon bundle, with coupons for free food, and similar pet items.

"The humane societies come to the store, it's them - we only supply, the space, food and litter for local groups," explained Labou, adding other partner organizations for the event include the Adirondack Humane Society and Franklin County SPCA. "It's sponsored by [Purina] Pro Plan, so [those adopting] get a bundle of coupons, for free food and litter, and all sorts of things for animals."

"This is a great event," added Labou. "We're just trying to find pets homes."

National PetSmart Adoption Weekend will be held daily from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.

For more information about next weekend's event, call the local PetSmart store at 562-8600.

Mary Weinstein is a correspondent with Denton Publications. She may be reached at mary@denpubs.com.